Insights from a Six Star Finisher: Your guide to the Berlin Marathon

Kristyn R. Smith is a New York-based running coach, masters athlete, and proud Six Star Finisher. She has finished the BWM BERLIN-MARATHON twice.

A passionate runner with a wealth of marathon experience, Kristyn shares her insights, tips, and personal experiences to help guide runners preparing for race week in the German capital.

What makes the Berlin Marathon special compared to other races you've been part of? 

There’s a lot to like about the BWM BERLIN-MARATHON. On the surface, you have a deep field and a flat, fast, record-setting course. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll find much more. 

As someone who enjoys history, Berlin is a particular standout. The race, much like the city itself, has reinvented itself many times over, and you can see that journey all around you. 

On a personal note, I studied German for six years through high school and college. As an American who grew up in Texas, that made me quite the outlier. My teacher taught multiple levels in the same classroom because there were so few students, but I’ve always loved learning about people and places that are unfamiliar to me. During those years I never had the opportunity to practise with a native speaker, so it’s fun to dust off some of those words and phrases all these years later. Berlin gave me the chance to see and hear things I’d previously only read about. 

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone preparing for the Berlin Marathon for the first time? 

Berlin is a relatively straightforward marathon. The only part I’ve found a little tricky is hydration. 

More specifically, hydrating without losing time. When I run Berlin, I'm racing for a fast time, and the aid stations require a slightly different approach. In the US we're used to paper cups, which you can pinch at the top to create a small opening that lets you drink while running. Berlin uses hard plastic cups, so that technique simply doesn't work. 

That leaves you with three options: accept that some water is going down your face as well as your throat while you keep moving, slow down to drink properly, or carry your own hydration. None of these is right or wrong, but it's worth deciding what works best for you before race day. Whatever you choose, don't neglect your hydration over the marathon distance. 

What should runners know about race week in Berlin? 

You can never have enough photos of the Brandenburg Gate! 

In the days before and after the race, the Gate and the nearby Reichstag are filled with runners from every corner of the world. There’s a real sense of excitement in the air. 

From there, head into the Tiergarten for a shakeout run. If you time it well, you might catch the elite athletes gliding through the park in groups, making it all look impossibly effortless. 

I also love watching the inline skaters, who race on the Saturday before the marathon. They reach speeds I can barely comprehend, and it's an incredible spectacle. The Berlin Inline Marathon is one of the largest in the world, making it another uniquely Berlin experience. 

What moment from your Berlin Marathon experience stands out most? 

I’ve run Berlin twice, and my second visit happened to be the 50th Berlin Marathon. I love anniversary races. I’ve also run the 50th New York City Marathon, along with the 125th and 130th Boston Marathons. 

Each race celebrates its milestone in a different way, but they all include thoughtful touches that honour their history. 

For Berlin, what stood out most was a dedicated exhibition chronicling the race's first 50 years. It featured old posters, memorabilia and even shoes worn by previous winners. As I've already admitted, I’m fascinated by history. 

What struck me most was how much had stayed the same. The details evolve, but the constants remain: the clock, the influence of the local culture and community, and the competitive spirit that brings people together. We may not wear the same shoes as runners did 50 years ago, but we're all still covering the same 26.2 miles. 

What is the one thing you hope every Berlin Marathon participant takes away from the race? 

Berlin is famous for being flat and fast, and many runners are drawn to it for that reason alone. As someone who's spent years chasing marathon seconds, I completely understand the appeal. 

For those who aren't quite as focused on the clock, Berlin has just as much to offer. Between its history, iconic landmarks and straightforward logistics, it's a marathon that really does have something for everyone.